The Baltimore Ravens have become the first team in the AFC to punch their playoff ticket. The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered their third loss in a row at 7:23

The Baltimore Ravens took advantage of the draft and secured their playoff ticket early in Week 15 of the NFL.

After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos, a 23-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars clinched their fifth postseason appearance in the last six years.

With their fourth straight win, the Ravens are also well on their way to becoming the top seed in the AFC. The team now has an 11-3 record – the best in the conference.

The Miami Dolphins (10:4), the Kansas City Chiefs (9:5) and the Cleveland Browns (9:5) are their closest rivals. The Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) are also the rivals for the AFC North title.

Jacksonville Jaguars still in playoff contention

Despite their third straight loss, the Jaguars remain in the thick of the playoff race with an 8-6 record and the number one seed in the AFC South – along with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans (both 8-6).

Quarterback Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to victory, rushing for 171 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but also ran for 97 yards himself.

The move of the night was undoubtedly Jackson’s 26-yard pass at the end of the third quarter at 10:7, when he avoided a sack by Dawuane Smoot, ran to his right and found Isaiah Likely. That set the stage for Gus Edward’s touchdown to make it 17-7.

For the Jaguars, it was a game of missed opportunities. They had four chances to score points in the first half alone, but failed to do so. Brandon McManus missed two field goals from over 50 yards out and quarterback Trevor Lawrence fumbled twice. He threw for 264 yards and a touchdown.

The bad news for the Ravens: the victory came at a high price. Rookie running back Keaton Mitchell injured his left knee at the start of the fourth quarter. Tackle Ronnie Staley (concussion) and safety Marcus Williams (groin) also suffered injuries.